Kissimmee May Buy Sewer Plant

KISSIMMEE — City commissioners are considering buying a used water and sewer- treatment package plant that serves the Harbour Oaks-Regal Oaks subdivisions southeast of the city.

Sam Ackley, appearing on behalf of the owners of Harbour Oaks Utilities, said the owners want $480,000 for the system.

''We don't need the money; if the city will give us a municipal bond for $560,000, the owners will give the city a $79,500 check for the system,'' he said.

Commissioners and staff were skeptical about the plant's condition. Sewer and Water Director Brian Wheeler showed slides of treated wastewater seeping out of a percolation pond, a buckling weld on the water storage tank, and pumping equipment that is uncovered and exposed to the elements.

''It's not up to city standards in any way, but frankly I have seen worse systems,'' Ackley said. He said the city would be guaranteed a yearly income of $88,586 from customers, which would net the city approximately $61,000.

Commissioners said they wanted to see an engineer's estimate of the value of the plant before making any decision.